Parts of Wisconsin are drying out and the Northwoods isn't far behind. With that in mind, Governor Evers has declared a state of emergency due to elevated wildfire risk.
There have been more than 150 wildfires in state protection areas this year with the largest fire being 234 acres in Juneau County on April 18. Burning permits have been suspended.
DNR Wildfire Prevention Specialist Catherine Koele says northwestern Wisconsin and the southern half of the start in a very dry state since the snow has left. The northeast portion of the state is expected to quickly catch up as the wind blows and moisture dries
She says with people home, they've been doing yard work and they're seeing frequent debris fires.
"The reality of it is the best practice is to avoid burning. It is windy. It is dry. It isn't going to take much to start a wildfire right now..."
Coincidentally, this is Wildfire Prevention Week in Wisconsin. The time right after the snow melts and prior to green up is one of the most dangerous times for wildfires.
Governor Evers order directs state agencies, including the Wisconsin National Guard, to provide additional personnel and resources as needed to assist in wildfire prevention, emergency response and recovery operations.
Koele said aircraft played a critical role in slowing the spread of the Juneau county fire so firefighters could reinforce containment lines.
